Claudia Christian discusses and signs her new memoir at Book Soup on Tuesday January 15, 2013 at 7:00 pm.

When actress Claudia Christian flees a troubled childhood and moves to Hollywood at age 17, she steps through the looking glass into another world. From the set of “Dallas” to her starring role on the sci-fi series “Babylon 5,” Claudia’s affairs with billionaires, supermodels, rock stars, and celebrities are mixed with shootings, stalking, heartbreak, and betrayal. Onset and off, drama follows Claudia–an alcohol-fueled coke run and makeout session with a bridesmaid on her wedding day; her tempestuous, love-hate relationship with actor Angus Macfadyen; the conspiracy theories surrounding her ex-husband’s death; and a 20-year on-and-off relationship with billionaire Dodi Fayed before he dated Princess Diana. Hollywood life takes its toll on Claudia as she descends into alcohol addiction and a desperate battle to reclaim her life. Rehab, alternative treatments, and even hypnotism can’t break the cycle of alcohol abuse that threatens to destroy Claudia. Close to despair she discovers The Sinclair Method, a treatment that saves her life. Sometimes shocking, often humorous, always captivating — Babylon Confidential is a story of hope that will inspire and enlighten you.

On Sunday, December 30, 2012, That’s Entertainment of Worcester will celebrate the recent installation of the street sign for the newly renamed private road, Lois Lane. Superman artist Paul Ryan will be at the store at 244 Park Avenue from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Ryan will draw an original sketch of Lois Lane on a special commemorative print, at no charge for each attendee while time permits and the supply of prints lasts.

The street name Lois Lane instantly evokes the image of the famous fictional character who has been Superman’s love interest— probably the archetypal superhero love interest– in various media for seven decades. She is the plucky journalist who always seems on the verge of proving that Superman is actually Clark Kent.

That’s Entertainment had petitioned the City in March of 2011 to change the name of Marmon Place, a short private road that runs alongside and behind the store, to Lois Lane. In August of this year, the Worcester City Council unanimously approved the request. “The new name is a perfect match for That’s Entertainment, because we’re in the comic book and pop culture business,” said That’s Entertainment owner Paul Howley, “and just about everyone says it’s a super idea.”

Manager Ken Carson expressed appreciation for the City officials who moved the proposal forward step by step, and for the DPW’s attention to detail in the sign and installation. “It’s a very eye-catching sign, with the Worcester heart symbol on it, and ‘Lois Lane’ spelled out fully,” Carson said. “I’m sure it will become a popular spot for photos.”

“We’ve been in Worcester for thirty-two years and right at this address for the past twenty,” Carson added. “Now we can say that we’re located at the corner of Park Ave. and Lois Lane.”

Artist Paul Ryan, who currently draws the daily comic strip The Phantom for King Features Syndicate, has worked extensively in the comic industry on major characters such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Avengers, Batman and Superman. Ryan is the only artist to have contributed to the wedding issues of both Spider-Man (Peter Parker marrying Mary Jane Watson in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21, 1987), and Superman (Clark Kent marrying– of course– Lois Lane in Superman: The Wedding Album, 1996).

“We’re excited that Paul Ryan was available for the event because he’s a classic superhero artist, and he has a strong history of drawing Lois,” said Evan Scola, Marketing Manager for the store.

We will also simultaneously hold a “Lois Lane Look-Alike” contest. Because “Superman’s Girlfriend” has been featured in so many different comics, TV shows and movies over the course of 75 years, there is a lot of room for interpretation.

“We’ll be taking photos of anyone who wants to enter. We’re looking for someone who personifies the tough and determined Daily Planet reporter. But Lois is really timeless, so a contestant might dress as a lady reporter from any era between the 1930s and the present,” said Scola. “After the event, we’ll choose the winner of a $50 store gift certificate.”

In addition, the store will also raffle a hand-signed photo of the first Lois Lane actress, Noel Neill, at the event. Neill appeared in 1940s Superman film serials, and later starred alongside George Reeves in the classic 1950s TV show, The Adventures of Superman.

That’s Entertainment is a pop culture emporium established in 1980. In 1997, That’s Entertainment received the “Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award” from Comic-Con International: San Diego. The award, named for comic book creator Will Eisner, recognizes “an individual retailer who has done an outstanding job of supporting the comics art medium both in the community and within the industry at large.” In addition to comic books, the store carries video games, baseball cards, records, toys, DVDs and other collectible and entertainment items.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Universe, it is our great honor to announce that on Wednesday, January 9th, joining us to launch the flagship title that signals the dawn of a new era of Spider-Man adventures is the man, the myth, the legend, writer extraordinaire, Dan Slott!!!

That’s right, folks, Dan will be joining us @ 6pm at our Manhattan store to celebrate the release of Superior Spider-Man #1, signing copies of the book and meeting both new and longtime fans alike! As always, we must ask that you purchase a copy of Superior Spider-Man #1 in order to participate in the signing, and if you would like to bring any books of your own to the event to be signed, we ask that you observe the limit of 5 books per your turn on line (meaning you may get Superior Spider-Man #1 plus 4 other books signed your first turn on line and, time permitting, you may go to the back of the line to get an additional 5 items signed at your next turn)

So come on down and get a copy of the 1st issue of Superior Spider-Man signed and help us kick off the next phase of wall-crawling, web-slinging excitement with superstar creator, Dan Slott! All here at Jim Hanley’s Universe, where fans and creators meet!

Writer Scott Lobdell and inker Norm Rapmund sign Teen Titans #15 at The Comic Bug on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 5:00 pm. Stick around for an exclusive Q&A with Mr. Lobdell and Mr. Rapmund, where we dig deep and leave no secrets uncovered!

Granitecon is pleased to announce our first guest for the 2013 show will be Chris Giarusso, creator of Mini Marvels and G-Man! This will be the very first Granitecon for Chris, who has recently done various covers celebrating Image Comics 20th Anniversary, including a tribute to Walking Dead #1!

To celebrate 10 years of Granitecon we will be expanding to a two day show next September 28-29th and moving into the much larger Expo Hall of the Manchester Radisson! Rest assured more announcements will be coming as we prepare for this epic show! Check out our Facebook page and website for more updates.

Want a chance at free entry to the 2013 Granitecon? We’re gunning for 1,000 followers on Twitter and as soon as we reach that goal, we’re giving away a free entry to the show to one lucky follower! Spread the word and follow us @GraniteCon for all the latest details!

About Chris Giarrusso
Chris Giarrusso began his writing career early in life by whiting out the word balloons of newspaper comic strips and filling in his own dialogue. His art career followed soon afterward when he started whiting out the pictures, in addition to the dialogue, to replace them with his own. Eventually, he realized that he could save a lot of time and a lot of whiteout by starting out with blank paper.

Today, Chris Giarrusso is best known for writing and drawing G-MAN, a series of graphic novels loved by all ages, featuring a young superhero who gains fantastic powers when he wears a magic cape. G-MAN, VOLUME 1: LEARNING TO FLY and G-MAN, VOLUME 2: CAPE CRISIS are available now at bookstores. Chris is currently hard at work on G-MAN, VOLUME 3.

In 1999, Chris created the world-famous MINI MARVELS for Marvel Comics, writing and drawing dozens of comic strips and short stories which have been published in countless Marvel comics and collected editions. Chris even contributed a brand new character to the Marvel Universe, fantastic fan-favorite “Elephant Steve.” He also illustrated the covers and comic inserts for all four volumes of the 2010 Scholastic series THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF NATE BANKS.